Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1706: Requires all state agencies and offices to cease purchasing single-use plastic water bottles and requires the installation of water bottle filling stations

Requires all state agencies and offices to cease purchasing single-use plastic water bottles; authorizes the commissioner of the office of general services to enter into contracts for the installation of water bottle filling stations in state buildings; provides for the purchase of single-use plastic water bottles under certain circumstances; requires each state agency to submit a report to the state procurement council and to the New York state climate action council containing a summary of the steps they have taken to comply with the directive.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans single-use plastic water bottles and mandates refill stations, directly reducing plastic pollution and aligning with environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate May 20, 2026

S 3688: Prohibits solid waste polluters from procuring solid waste public contracts

Prohibits certain solid waste polluters from procuring public contracts for certain periods of time after violations and until all debts to the state are satisfied; prohibits individuals found guilty of solid waste pollution from serving as members of any board of any entity engaged in solid waste removal and disposal.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits polluters from public contracts and board roles, directly reducing solid waste pollution and enforcing accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6529: Prohibits waste transfer stations from being located near public housing projects

This bill prohibits the issuance of permits for marine solid waste transfer stations within 800 feet of public housing projects in cities with populations over one million. It directly affects waste facility operators seeking to locate or expand operations near public housing and protects residents in those housing projects from potential environmental impacts. The law creates a strict buffer zone by blocking state and local approvals for such facilities in the specified proximity, overriding conflicting local laws or regulations. It applies only to marine waste transfer stations in large urban areas, not to other waste facilities or smaller communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates 800ft buffer to prevent waste facilities near public housing, protecting residents from environmental impacts and pollution risks.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects public housing residents from environmental hazards by prohibiting waste facilities nearby, directly safeguarding existing affordable housing projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2167: Relates to requiring businesses to meet certain green requirements to be eligible for the START-UP NY program

Relates to requiring businesses to meet certain green requirements to be eligible for the START-UP NY program; businesses operating in newly constructed buildings shall be powered by at least thirty-five percent alternative energy; businesses operating in already existing buildings shall utilize at least forty-five percent less electricity than neighboring businesses of similar size and business type.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 35% alternative energy for new buildings and 45% electricity reduction for existing businesses, directly promoting renewable energy use and efficiency standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 35% alternative energy for new buildings and 45% less electricity for existing businesses, directly promoting clean energy use and reducing emissions.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3685: Provides for the protection of the air quality at day care centers licensed by the state and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law

Provides for the protection of the air quality at licensed day care centers and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law; requires the office of children and family services to consult with the commissioners of environmental conservation and health regarding the air quality and environmental hazards that may be involved with any new day care center or head start day care center; requires such office to consult with the department of health if any new environmental or environmental health hazard arises.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires consultation with environmental conservation commissioners to address air quality and environmental hazards at day care centers, protecting children from environmental risks.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1908: Relates to the availability and purchase of zero-emission school buses

This bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered, with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new buses starting July 1, 2027. It also mandates that any procurement for school transportation services or infrastructure components must prioritize U.S.-made parts and assembly, with limited waivers available for cost or feasibility concerns. School districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis by the education commissioner. The law applies directly to all public school districts and their contractors, aiming for full transition to zero-emission buses by 2047 or when all state vehicle fleets meet the standard.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates zero-emission school buses, improving school transportation infrastructure per education topic's 'improves school infrastructure' indicator.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen), reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing renewable energy infrastructure in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen) to eliminate tailpipe emissions, directly reducing pollution and advancing clean energy adoption in transportation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen) for new purchases, directly promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions in vehicle regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1889: Establishes the residential open green space tax abatement for certain properties in N.Y. city

Establishes the residential open green space tax abatement for certain properties in a city of one million or more; provides an abatement for owners who remove an impermeable surface from a residential yard and replace it with soil and vegetation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax abatement reducing property tax burden for green space improvements, directly aligning with tax relief support indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncentivizes replacing impermeable surfaces with vegetation, promoting green space and stormwater management per bill's tax abatement for environmental conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4939: Relates to the submission of environmental impact statements by entities proposing construction of a new building development within one mile of a transit facility

Requires the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations requiring entities proposing construction of a new building development within one mile of a transit facility to submit environmental impact statements; defines transit facility.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires environmental impact statements for developments near transit facilities, strengthening environmental review processes per standard protective measures.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 8088: Enacts the climate resilient New York act of 2025; establishes the office of resilience to assess and identify climate related threats

Enacts the climate resilient New York act; establishes the office of resilience and a resilience task force to assess and identify climate related threats and develop a statewide resilience plan.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Office of Resilience to assess climate threats and develop statewide resilience plan, directly advancing climate protection efforts per bill title and summary.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1596: Prohibits disposal of spoils containing toxic pollutants into the waters of the marine district

This bill prohibits dumping dredged spoils containing toxic pollutants into the marine district's waters. It directly affects dredging operations, construction projects, and waste disposal entities working in coastal areas. The key provision amends environmental law to explicitly ban this specific disposal method, creating a clear legal restriction. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans toxic pollutant disposal in marine waters, directly reducing pollution and strengthening environmental protections per bill's explicit prohibition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Waste Management

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